The popularity of free software that powers worldwide brands such as YouTube and Instagram is spreading among programmers and developers across Africa, with the support of Cardiff University’s Phoenix Project.

What started as a gathering of Python software enthusiasts in Namibia in 2015 has now spread to Zimbabwe, with other conventions planned elsewhere in Africa including Mozambique, Uganda and Botswana.

The gatherings involve talks, workshops and networking, and are aimed at professionals, scientists, students and hobbyists.

Dr Vincent Knight, one of the PyCon Namibia organisers from Cardiff University’s School of Mathematics; Jessica Upani, chair of the Python Namibia Society; and Humphrey Butau, Chair of Zimbabwe Python User Group, explain why Python is taking off in Africa.